Chesterfield boss John Sheridan says the goals they conceded could have been avoided as his side went down 2-0 to Preston.

Clarke Carlisle headed the first goal to put North End on course for a convincing victory, with the visitors wrapping up the points seven minutes later when Barry Nicholson stole in between two defenders to nod home a cross from the right.

Sheridan said: "I'm disappointed with the goals. They had opportunities but I think a lot of it was down to lack of concentration and individual mistakes.

"The first came from a basic set-play, everyone knows their jobs and they shouldn't end up scoring from there and that gave them the advantage and the belief to go on in the game.

"But I really do feel we worked hard to get back in it and up until the second goal I thought we were the better side. I think the second goal killed us as a team but I do think we were trying to do the right things, we just didn't have that cutting edge. I think their forwards were the difference between the two sides.

"But I liked the effort from my side and even though we have lost the game, we are playing better sides in this division - they're one of the fancied sides, but I thought the endeavour was there."

"I probably would have settled for a draw when they equalised because we looked a bit leggy towards the end and their lad turned brilliantly and scored," Bentley said. "But for Kev to plough through was the best feeling I have had as manager and long may it continue. It was a great way to win a football match and I am made up."

Ellison missed most of pre-season with a thigh injury, but Bentley praised him for the way he has worked his way back to full fitness and the impact he made after joining the action at the break.